Armed robbery suspect sought

Jacksonville police are seeking a Midway Park man in connection to an armed robbery at an area tobacco shop.

Jacksonville police are seeking a Midway Park man in connection to an armed robbery at an area tobacco shop.

At approximately 7:50 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report of an armed robbery at Emily’s Tobacco Shop in the Piney Green Shopping Center.

The suspect allegedly entered the business, asked for cigarettes and pointed a silver revolver at the clerk demanding cash from the register, according to information from JPD

The suspect, who police have identified as 18-year-old Christopher Lee Petteway, Jr., fled the scene on foot, running between the buildings into the area behind the shopping center. Jacksonville Police, with the assistance of the Onslow County Sheriff’s Department, established a perimeter and conducted a search of the area, but did not locate him.

Jacksonville Police have obtained warrants for his arrest charging him with with robbery with a dangerous weapon; assault by pointing a gun and felony possession of stolen property.

Petteway is described as an 18-year old black male, 5’11” tall and 160 lbs.

“The subject is considered armed and dangerous. Please contact 911 if you see Christopher Lee Petteway, Jr.,” said Captain Jason Bettis, who leads JPDs investigative Services division, via a Wednesday release. “We appeal to Christopher Lee Petteway, Jr. to turn himself in to Jacksonville Police” said Bettis.

Anyone with information about the subject or this incident is asked to contact Jacksonville Police Detective Anthony Ramirez at 910-938-6440 or aramirez@ci.jacksonville.nc.us or Crimestoppers at 910- Crime Stoppers 910-938-3273 offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to arrest. Callers to Crime Stoppers are not required to reveal their identities.